10 Famous Tourist Places To Visit In Hassan
Deriving its name from the presiding deity the goddess Hasanamba which translates to ‘smiling mother’, Hassan is located 187 km from Bangalore. Known as the temple-architecture capital of Karnataka, the place saw its development as a major seat of the Hoysala Empire that ruled major parts of south India between the 10th and 14th centuries. Reflecting the Hoysala architecture of the 12th century, there are many popular places to visit in Hassan like the Hasanamba Temple and various Jain temples. With a well-connected transport system, it is best known for its old-world atmosphere which offers a surfeit of tourist attractions.
The best time to visit tourist places in Hassan is from June to February. Needless to say, Hassan is the go-to destination for pilgrims, history lovers, as well as curious souls.
Here Is A List Of 10 Places To Visit In Hassan
1. A Striking Picnic Spot: Gorur Dam
Popularly known as Hemavathi Dam, Gorur Dam is one of the best places to visit in Hassan. Built in 1979, it is constructed across the Hemavathi river for drinking, irrigation, and household chore purposes. Additionally, you may also get a chance to sight various birds that visit the reservoir regularly. Covering an area of 2,810 square kilometres, the views from this dam are worth capturing, so make sure that you pack your camera. With a height of 58.5 metres and a length of 4,692 metres, the reservoir has a total of six large radial spillway gates. A striking picnic spot, Gorur Dam is a popular tourist place in Hassan and attracts tourists from all across the country.
Timings: 9 AM-5 PM.
Entry Fee: None.
2. The Floating Church: Shettihalli Church
Constructed by French missionaries in the 1860s, Shettihalli Church is a great example of Gothic architecture in India, and is among the best places to visit in Hassan. Later, in the 1960s, the church was submerged in water, which is why it’s also known as The Submerged Church or The Floating Church. To redirect the waters of the Hemavathi river, the Gorur reservoir was built. This resulted in a number of villages getting submerged, and so the villagers had to relocate, abandoning the church. Now, a popular picnic spot and part of Hassan’s tourism circuit, it attracts many tourists every year when it is submerged in water during the monsoon season. When the church is half under water, tourists can get a closer view via a coracle ride.
Timings: 6 AM-6 PM.
Entry Fee : None.
3. Open Only For Two Weeks During Diwali: Hasanamba Temple
A unique temple that is only open for two weeks during Diwali, Hasanamba Temple is dedicated to the goddess Shakti. Devotees present raw rice and light a lamp as an offering. It is believed that the lamp keeps burning and the rice never rots until the next time the temple opens. The awe-inspiring architecture is a reflection of Hoysala’s faith in Jainism. There are paintings that represent various mythological figures such as the painting of Ravana with nine heads playing a veena. Around 800 years old, this temple is one of the best places to visit in Hassan and should not be missed.
Timings: 7 AM-10 PM.
Entry fee: None, but for direct darshan you must pay INR 1,000 and for special entrance the fee is INR 300.
4. A Must Visit For History Buffs: Lakshmi Devi Temple
Built during the reign of the Hoysala Dynasty in the 12th century, the Lakshmi Devi temple is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi. It is constructed from soaprock in the ancient Hoysala-style architecture. The majestic temple is adorned with inscriptions, sculptures, and intricate designs that take you back to the ancient era. A showstopper, the chatuskuta houses four shrines. If you are a history buff then you must include this temple in your itinerary as it is one of the best places to visit in Hassan.
Timings: 9.30 AM-6 PM.
Entry Fee: None.
Also read: 10 incredible ancient temples in India
5. Ideal For Families With Children: Maharaja Park
Now a popular picnic spot for locals as well as tourists, Maharaja Park is a well-manicured park covered with a green layer of well-maintained grass. Lined with tall trees and dollops of bushes, there are many spacious walkways. Additionally, there is also a children’s playground, making it one of the best places to visit in Hassan for families.
Timings: 6 AM-8 AM.
Entry Fee: None.
6. Witness The Rich Hoysala Heritage: Ishvara Temple
Located in Arasikere in Hassan, the grand Ishvara Temple is another architectural marvel from the Hoysala Dynasty. An 11th century single shrine temple dedicated to Shiva, it is mainly known for its rich heritage and intricate architecture that attracts several travellers from all over the state. You can witness the unique craftsmanship and intricacies of carving here that is not seen at any other Hoysala structure. As it is one of the most famous tourist places to visit in Hassan, it attracts numerous tourists, especially history buffs.
Timings: 9 AM-6 PM.
Entry Fee: None.
7. The World’s Highest Monolithic Statue: Bhagwan Bahubali Statue
Constructed in 983 CE by Chamundaraya, the general of King Rajamalla of the Ganga dynasty, Bhagwan Bahubali Statue is one of the top tourist places to visit in Hassan. Also known as Gomateshwara statue, the monolith statue of Bahubali is a Jain deity that stands at a height of 17 metres. Nestled on the Vindhyagiri Hills, this place is famous for its panoramic views. You can choose to take the road that leads to the shrine or climb the steps on the hill. Once every 12 years, during the Mahamastakabhisheka festival, the statue is bathed in ghee, saffron, milk, and curd among other things. The statue was awarded the status of one of the Seven Wonders of India in 2005.
Timings: 8 AM-7 PM.
Entry Fee: INR 200 per person.
8. Nestled On The Banks Of River Narmada: Kedareshwar Temple
Built by a king of Hoysala, Veera Ballala II, in around 1220 CE, Kedareshwar Temple is another gem of Hassan that is dedicated to Shiva. Cradled on the banks of the river Narmada, the temple is constructed from soaprock in the old Hoysala style. The sculptures and intricate carvings depict the lives of the gods Shiva and Vishnu. It is also one among the top tourist places to visit in Hassan, especially for history buffs.
Timings: 10 AM-5 PM (Closed on Fridays).
Entry Fee: None.
9. Popularly Known As Koravangala Temple: Bucesvara Temple
Built by Buchiraja, a rich officer, to celebrate the coronation of Veera Ballala II, Bucesvara Temple in Hassan is another temple dedicated to Shiva. Popularly known as Koravangala Temple, it dates back to the 12th century during the reign of the Hoysala Dynasty. One of the top tourist places to visit in Hassan, you will find minute carvings on the soapstone structure.
Timings: 6 AM-9 PM.
Entry Fee: None.
10. Home To A Wide Range of Flora And Fauna: Bisle Ghat And Forest Reserve
Located in Sakaleshpura Taluk in Hassan district, Bisle Ghat and Forest Reserve is a famous sanctuary in the Western Ghats. Housing a wide variety of flora and fauna, it is one of the best tourist places to visit in Hassan to get a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges. Bisle Ghat and Forest reserve acts as a natural corridor that links the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in the south and the Kukke Subrahmanya forest range in the west.
Timing: 9 AM-5.30 PM.
Entry Fee: None.
Why Should You Visit Hassan?
A quick trip to these top tourist places to visit in Hassan will help you gain knowledge about the once supreme Hoysala reign. Home to the best Hoysala temples, this where you can admire the inscriptions and intricate carvings. As a traveller, we must be respectful of a destination’s history and culture, and not destroy or litter these places, but instead help in preserving them.
Hassan does not have many major spots for shopping, but is famous for its silk, handicrafts, and sandalwood. While shopping in Hassan, take the opportunity to buy products and goods from the local markets, as that plays a major role in sustaining local culture and employment.
Home to many family-friendly places like bird sanctuaries, temples, and forts, Hassan is ideal for families, friends and couples to visit. You will never get bored with the options here as there’s so much to explore. So, start planning your trip to Hassan and don’t forget to add these places to your itinerary.
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